THE CODE OF HANDSOME LAKE 51 



make a feast and throw tobacco instead of singing. But the chiefs 

 said that that plan should be laid aside and notwithstanding, the 

 songs should be sung as far as possible. 



• " Now the messengers said that they should secure provisions 

 enough for the feast and be sure. Some have planned to have 

 strong drink used at the feast but this must not be tolerated. Only 

 food must be used." 1 



So they said and he said. Eniaiehuk. 



section 54 



" Now I will relate another. 



" There is a certain ceremony in the midwinter. 2 It is said that 

 it is most important to uphold the customs of midwinter and that 

 any one having a part should fulfil it. It is said that to fulfil the 

 customs they must go about the neighborhood holding dances. It 

 is said that the Creator has sanctioned certain dances for thanks- 

 giving." 



" Now the messengers said that Ganio'dai'io' must sing 3 early in 

 the morning on three mornings and give the cheer-cries of the 

 Gai'wiioV 



So they said and he said. Eniaiehuk. 



section 55 



" ' Now another message. 



" ' It is said that all your relatives and friends must be told. 



" ' It is said that when these rites are performed one person is 

 to be selected to offer thanks 4 to the Creator. Now when thanks 

 are rendered begin with the things upon the ground and thank 

 upward to the things in the new world above. Afterward any one 

 so inclined may arise and thank the Creator in the manner he thinks 

 best.' " 



So it is said. Eniaiehuk. 



1 It is related that at one period whiskey had so far debauched the 

 Indians that their once sacred ceremonies, like those of the early Christians 

 at Corinth, were made the excuses of the grossest licentiousness and drunken 

 revelry. Whiskey had entirely supplanted the feast foods. 



2 See the Burning of the White Dog, p. 85. 



3 This song is still sung by the preacher of the Gai'wiio'. The preacher 

 stands at the door of the Long House on three successive mornings of the 

 new year's season and greets the sunrise with his song. It is said to be a 

 charm against high winds and the faithful claim that Gao', the spirit of 

 the wind, holds back his fury when the song floats over the settlement. 



4 ' See The Goneowo ceremony, p. 95. 



